BOHO FAQ

Yoga is an ancient practice, whose important texts are found in the Hindu, Buddhist and Jain traditions. Often translated as ‘to yoke’, yoga is a collection of techniques- physical, mental and spiritual- that lead the practitioner to an understanding of their true divine nature, while promoting peace of mind and ease in the body. While some historical texts mention asanas, the posture practice (asana) is but one aspect of yoga and, contrary to popular belief or expression in the west, not its central focus.

Passed down for thousands of years, often in secret, yoga is a technology designed to help human beings access their full potential.

Is yoga a religion? Can I practice yoga and remain in my faith tradition of origin?

Yoga is for everyone. We are not secretly trying to convert you into any religion and our teachers subscribe to an array of spiritual and religious beliefs. To reject this practice under the false assumption that it will corrupt your faith, is to shut yourself off from nervous system healing, mindful living practices, stress relief, and a myriad of other incredible physical and mental benefits. Science has our back on this one.

Yoga is human optimization technology, an exploration into our experience of consciousness, our connection to a higher power and our ability to be at ease and at home in our bodies and our lives. These aspects transcend any one particular tradition and are ultimately concerned with the existential condition of human-ness in general.

While the practice of yoga originated in India, and many Hindu texts, mantras and references are incorporated into our teaching, yoga itself is not Hindu and can be practiced by any person irrespective of their faith and beliefs.

Do you only offer yoga classes?

We offer a wide variety of classes – not just what you consider to be yoga!

While the majority of our classes our centered around the 8-limb practice of yoga, we see the benefit in providing a rainbow of movement options beyond the traditional asana. We believe that movement in its many forms offers a layer of healing to the body and mind, and can improve our quality of life drastically. Add in some meditation and breathwork and you’ve developed a life-practice that will continue to bring you gifts of healing and growth for as long as you choose to participate.

Along with our classes, we take this same approach to personal training. Maybe you’re wanting to dive deeply into your asana practice, maybe you’re looking to gain strength through weight lifting and endurance training, or maybe a beautiful and eclectic combination of both! We can make it happen.

So, whether you’re looking for yoga, or a HIIT core power class with weights – we’ve got you.

Which class should I choose?

Choosing a class depends on what you’re looking to get from your practice. Do you need to relax? Build strength? Become more pliable? Get a handle on anxiety/depression? We love all kinds of yoga and movement, and find incredible benefits from practicing both physically intense and physically relaxed forms. Check out our class descriptions page to get more information on each different style offered.

As you begin your practice, it might be helpful to start with a less physically intense class unless you consider your physical strength and endurance as already established in other forms of movement. While our main offerings are focused around the art of yoga, we have a variety of movement classes that go beyond the traditional practice. Our teachers practice inclusive language and will gladly find variations of movement that will honor your shape and ability, no matter the class. All bodies are welcome here.

More on choosing a yoga class…

It will take a little time to get used to the novel pace and intention of yoga and to reconfigure the way that you think about ‘exercise’ as even physically intense yoga is not the same cardiovascularly as running on a treadmill or taking a HIIT class.

But that doesn’t mean yoga can’t offer even more interesting benefits than regular exercise. A regular yoga practice is a gift to body and spirit. You will move your body through its full range of motion and you will feel more calm and peaceful- this relaxation effect is due to the way yoga influences the autonomic nervous system- bringing us more into the parasympathetic state- the rest and digest, stay and play mode. Expect a more fluid, lithe and supple body, increased confidence and feelings of wellbeing, more strength, more resiliency, more ease in your experience of living. Yoga helps to regulate metabolic and hormonal processes, nourishes fascia and aligns the musculoskeletal system towards more optimal efficiency. While you might not break a sweat or pound it out, you will definitely reap the benefits and learn a lot about yourself in the process.

The pace of the yoga we teach is measured by the student’s breath- so we don’t hold postures for ‘counts’ but rather for various rounds of breath. We notice the way the breath moves through each shape. In a vinyasa practice, you will experience more flow technique- more one breath per movement, often with an upper body component as you move through a surya namaskar sequences (click here to see an example of surya namaskar a. here for c). Our modified ashtanga primary is a vinyasa based practice and our most physically intense yoga practice. A hatha class will have fewer of these transitions and more statically held postures lasting 5-10 breaths. Yin yoga tends to be more down tempo and stretch focused. Restorative yoga is the yoga of effortlessness (harder than you may think) where we drape the body of various forms of support to create intentional shapes that allow us to fully release and relax. Yoga nidra is a form of guided meditation, practiced in savasana. Our yoga+mobility classes are designed for all levels and incorporate functional movement and modern kinesthetics.

Yoga asks that you pay close attention to the feedback your body offers as we place it in various stress positions. Nothing should hurt, but you may sometimes experience discomfort as we lengthen and open, strengthen, stretch and listen. You will learn to become discerning about your body’s own unique language and, in time, develop your intuition around how to be most helpful to yourself.

Unlike regular exercise, you will be asked to pay attention to your body as a holistic system- to watch thoughts and emotions that arise and to notice when you may be trying too hard (or not hard enough). Yoga is seeking balance- finding that sweet spot where we can feel solid and sturdy, grounded, yet free and open in our entire being.

It's my first time in class - What can I expect?

It can be intimidating to go to a new yoga studio, or better yet – go to any studio for the FIRST TIME!

We want to change all that.

If you’re signed up for class and wondering what to expect next, look no further.

Entering the studio:

Doors will open about 8-10 minutes prior to class.

Please remove your shoes on the carpet as you enter. Traditionally, shoes are not worn in the śālā (shala). A śālā is a Sanskrit term that means any “house, space, covered pavilion or enclosure” in . There is a bench and row of hooks on your left as you enter the doorway of the studio/śālā where you can store your belongings. Space is limited, so be aware.

Be sure to show up at least a few minutes before class begins. We want each student to have the time to find their spot, roll out their mat, and grab any props they might be needing for practice. If props are required for class, your teacher will direct you to grab them. We offer yoga mats free of charge to borrow during class, but recommend you purchase your own mat if you decide this practice is for you long term.

Showing up late can be a distraction to classes that have already begun. So, we ask that on those rare occasions you find yourself running late, that you enter the studio silently and swiftly in order to minimize disruption. Life happens and we want to do yoga with you!

Check in with the teacher prior to class and inform them of any injuries or health concerns you are currently experiencing. If you don’t feel comfortable speaking with a teacher before class, click here to send a message to the studio so we can work with you to ensure you are supported in future classes.

As you set up your mat, try to keep conversation gentle and keep your voice low so as not to disturb other practitioners. Props are provided by the studio, but you are always welcome to bring your own.

During Class:

Feel free to ask questions if you are confused about anything during class. Looking around at other experienced students from time to time can offer insight and clarification, but do your best to stay inwardly focused on your own experience.

It is not uncommon for yoga to liberate emotions stored in the body- it is ok to cry or take a break.

Classes are traditionally ended with time spent in savasana. Savasana is an essential part of practice and often termed ‘the most important pose’. This pose can last anywhere from 9 breaths to 9 minutes. If you need to leave class early, inform the teacher prior to commencing practice. You will be supported and encouraged to pack up as quietly as possible.

We may occasionally offer an ‘assist’ to you during class. This is means we are offering you our one-on-one attention for a moment, to explore this practice together. It might mean we help you move further into a pose, or suggest a way to explore it with fresh eyes. It might also mean we offer touch as a means to deeper relaxation.

PLEASE NOTE: We understand that not every human enjoys being touched in a yoga class. This isn’t anything but a personal preference, and we honor and respect that. Do let your instructor know if you do not wish to receive hands on assists. We will always ask permission, and welcome any answer.

Remember that everyone in class is working on something. Respect each person’s process. Listen to your body!

After Class:

When class ends, students roll up their mats and store their props back on the shelf. If you borrowed a yoga mat from the studio, please wipe it down with the provided spray before returning it to the box of mats. You’re welcome to ask the teacher for help finding what you need.

If you need your instructor’s time for more than 15 minutes prior to or subsequent to class, please consider booking a private session with them. Although we have typically offered assists/adjustments pre-Covid, we are not currently hands on. Do let your instructor know, however, if you do not wish to receive hands on assists. Remember that everyone in class is working on something. Respect each person’s process. Listen to your body!

Account or Registration Questions

What if I am unable to attend a class or event that I registered for?

If you have registered for a regular class, you have until 1 hour before class begins to unregister/cancel your registration in order to keep your class credit. If you do not cancel your registration within that timeframe, your class credit will no longer be available to you.

If you have registered for a special event, you have 24 hours before the event begins to cancel your registration – otherwise a refund will not be available to you. Why? Our events take a lot of planning, and that planning is often based on how many students have registered for the event. As we pour our time, effort, and funds into providing a beautiful and valuable experience, we use on the number of those registered to guide us. Late cancellations mean we have invested with your attendance in mind – when we could have reserved that time, effort, or funds for something else. We understand there are often special circumstances, so if you’d like to reach out and discuss your situation, you may do so here.

What if I have limited mobility or an injury?

We want to make sure you’re supported in the ways that make you feel welcomed, informed, and respected.

If you have an injury, it’s important your primary care provider clears you for this type of movement. Once cleared, we ask that your teacher be made aware of your injury. This way, they can offer you guidance, variations, or props that will allow you to participate fully. You can do this by informing your teacher prior to class. This is something students do often, and we as teachers are accustomed to honoring your confidentiality. If you don’t feel comfortable speaking with your teacher before class, or you’re unsure which classes would be most appropriate for your recovery, contact us! Together, we can start a conversation that will find your best path forward.

If you are living in a body that deviates from society’s very limited definition of normal and you want to ensure our classes will honor your shape and abilities, you’re always welcome to contact us! We work hard to be an inclusive and supportive space where every body type, size, shape, and ability can practice. We see the value in all bodies, however they present themselves. So, if you’re nervous or unsure about joining us, don’t be. You can always send us a message via our contact page to discuss the details of your situation.

Most importantly, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! You are the captain of your meat-ship. You know what pain feels like in your body and we will always believe you and honor your experience.

What if I fart during class?! What if I don't have "the body" for yoga? What if I look silly? What if the teacher singles me out?!

We’ve all been there.

You’re in downward facing dog after eating a chili dog, and your tummy lets you know it’s about to create a moment that will linger in your mind (and the air) for what seems like an eternity.

In the moment we’re mortified. We tell ourselves we can never show our faces in the studio again, that everyone is silently laughing at us or disgusted with us, that we aren’t meant for yoga. We tell ourselves all sorts of stories, but NONE of them are true. Farts happen. To students, to teachers, to people walking past the open door of our studio, they all fart. Guess what happens when they fart in class?

Nothing.

Nothing happens. No one actually cares. If they do happen to care, it’s much more likely they appreciate the fact that they aren’t the only ones who have farted in class!

Our teachers are well seasoned and will continue with class like nothing happened. We treat it like no big deal, because it isn’t. This goes for so much more than farts! It applies to falling, making mistakes, missing the queues, being too scared to try a pose, or anything else that we worry about. We aren’t here to single you out. We’re here to build relationships and empower people to practice their lives through the lens of yoga.

If we would like to offer you a hands-on adjustment or assist, we will ask permission first.

So whether you are worried about flatulence or your flexibility, we’re here for it and we welcome it!

How do I access my student account?

There are two ways to access your student account.

Firstly, you can go to our “My Account” page via our main menu, or click here.

If you are still unable to access your student account, please ensure you’re logged in. Once you’ve confirmed you’re logged in, you can access your direct account through our studio software provider at:

https://shiva.bohoyogastudio.com/student/account/summary

Know that this link will open a new window that directs you away from our Boho website!

How many classes do I have left on my package?

To see how many classes you have left on your account, please visit the “My Account” page via our main menu or click here.

If for some reason you are still unable to see your account summary and available classes, you can access your direct account through our studio software provider at:

https://shiva.bohoyogastudio.com/student/account/summary

Know that this link will open a new window that directs you away from our Boho website!

What If I am unable to register for class online?

Sometimes our software can glitch or be difficult to navigate. We are always working to bring ease to this process.

So, if you are trying to register for a class and find yourself unable – please click to contact us! Let us know which class you are trying to register for – and we can manually sign you up.

If you are unable to make payment online, we take cash or check upon entry, simply hand it to your instructor.

If you are experiencing ongoing registration issues, we ask that you let us know via our “Contact’ page located on our main menu. This way we can work with you to resolve the issue and get you up and yoga-ing ASAP!

Financial Questions

How much do classes cost?

Regularly scheduled classes are $20 each for a drop-in rate.

We offer monthly memberships, student discounts, bulk class discounts, and financial hardship scholarships.

Special event pricing varies. Pricing is based on length, location, and materials used. We work hard to keep all our offerings as affordable as possible.

How much does a private event cost?

We will request a free consultation (~15-20 mins) with you prior to quoting you for private services.

We offer discounts and adjustments on pricing for those experiencing financial hardship. There is no shame in asking, be proud of your ability to advocate for your needs! We will always do our best to meet your needs if we’re able!

Private Events

Private events are approached differently than personal training, as they are considered a stand-alone.

There is a $250 minimum for up to 4 students/ 60 mins. Each additional student is $35*

Discounts given to groups of 15 or more – Virtual options are available at reduced cost

Travel Fees :

0- 15 miles* -$15

15-30 miles* – $30

*Pricing is subject to change. Extra charges may apply if there is a space rental cost fee for services provided at a location outside of our McMinnville studio.

You can rent props for events as well:

Mats $3/each

Blocks $3/each set

Straps $1/each

Eye Pillows $2/each

Boho yoga will ensure clean props are delivered, and will be responsible for the cleaning of these props upon conclusion of the event.

What if I am experiencing financial hardship, but want to become a member?

We offer scholarships for those experiencing financial hardship. Scholarships are based on available funding and are intended for those interested in our monthly membership. To apply for a membership scholarship click the button below:

If you have not yet attended a class at Boho Yoga and would like to try it for free, we want you here! Click the button below to sign up for our monthly news letter and get an email sent to you with a free class credit. Credits may take up to 24 hours to generate. If you have not received an email with your free class credit within 24 hours, please reach out to us via our Contact page. Thank you!

My online payment isn't working - what do I do?

The answer here is 2-fold:

1. If you are unable to process your payment online, we also accept cash or check payments. You can simply hand your payment to your teacher upon arrival.

2. If you are unable to process your payment online, then chances are you are also unable to register for class online. This means your teacher may not be aware you plan to attend class. If this is the case, please fill out the form below to notify the instructor that you plan to attend class. We will follow up with you outside of class time to help troubleshoot any account or payment issues that may keep you from paying or registering for class.

What are your cancellation, no-show, and refund policies?

If you have registered for a regular class, you have until 2 hours before class begins to unregister/cancel your registration in order to keep your class credit. If you do not cancel your registration within that timeframe, you will be considered a “no-show,” and your class credit will no longer be able to you.

If you have registered for a special event, you have 24 hours before the event begins to cancel your registration – otherwise a refund will not be available to you.

Why? Our studio can only host a set number of students per class or event. If other students do not have a chance to take your place, we may have lost the ability to fill this spot. Our events take a lot of planning, and that planning is often based on how many students have registered for the event. As we pour our time, effort, and funds into providing a beautiful and valuable experience, we also need to pay our teachers. We understand there are often special circumstances, so if you’d like to reach out and discuss your situation, you may do so here.

How can I donate to the studio?

SO MANY WAYS!

You can donate by clicking the yellow button below! Choose your amount and whether it’s a single donation or recurring.

You can simply offer cash or check to your teacher before class begins.

You can sign up for our monthly Supporter Membership for $200/month. This gets you unlimited classes and offers a monthly donation in addition to our membership. This membership tier will also have full access to our on-demand library and all additional materials – once launched.

Your donation helps us:

Provide membership scholarships for those who need it
Offer yoga to local school teachers and students in need of wellness support
Bring yoga to inmates in local prisons and programs
Provide free community yoga classes and kirtan
Make our impact in the community even greater!

Do you offer private events or corporate wellness classes?

Yes! We do!

Email us at info@bohoyogastudio.com with a short description of your event and we’ll send you an estimate and schedule a time to connect on phone or zoom within 72 hours to answer any questions.